meganqb

I responded to the consultation, slightly late, to the extent that this looks like a lame attempt to return the Quarantine to the former levels of income without the expenditure. It struck me that it was worth considering moving animals to NZ first (I have family there so it is an option). Cats and Dogs can move without Quarantine from NZ to Australia, and the Quarantine in NZ looks *so much* better (because it is outsourced to private providers who compete for business). For a start, they will collect an animal from e.g. Auckland airport at any time, and you can collect at any time; the spaces that they offer are fully photographed on their websites and they explain what service animals would receive. Animals transiting via NZ would have to spend 3 months in NZ (including the 10 days Quarantine) so it is not without difficulty, but I have seriously thought about it. My main worry is that if my mum gets my cat for 2.5 months she might never let her go. Would be interested in other peoples opinions. Megan

Hi FrankieD we are moving the other way, the cat's veterinary requirements have been a nightmare (since DAFF changed the pet immigration rules in January). We have yet to make this decision for pet travel agents ourselves, however check out some independent reviews on your Product Review and Truly Local websites. For me it would clinch it even though there is only one review for Pet Carriers International. I assume that you have all the veterinary aspects/quarantine covered, that is the most important. In terms of Sydney or Melbourne, both QF1 (Sydney) and QF9 (Melbourne), each stopping in Dubai, depart and arrive in working hours (near enough, considering check-in/arrival). The Sydney flight leaves a couple of hours earlier although the flight is fractionally longer (24:05hrs). I would decide based on what time it is best for your dog to be met (about 9am or about 11am) in Heathrow. Not sure if this will help. I received some very helpful advice from colleagues on this site and wanted to give something back to members. Best wishes, M

Thank you lebourvellec, again, the help/advice from members of the forum has been invaluable. I saw that there is a 2 month waiting time for the 461 at a cost of AUD325 which would fit well; we will try the 186 route through work first (I was defensively allowing 8 months for that). We feel very lucky to have so much support from the new employer. I hear your catuion about the skills assessment and work experience above. Moving the humans is *almost* more complicated than moving the cat but not quite, yet (DAFF changed the rules in January but that is another story altogether). Thank you again. M

Brilliant, thank you for your help, NickyNook, really appreciated. Perfect (phew). Actually I don't think that the new work will mind as they had it factored in already, I thought that I had saved them a step until my aunt's message. You have been very kind in taking the time to respond. Thank you. M

Dear colleagues, I hope you may be willing to share some expertised as I have several visa-related questions that I haven't managed to answer through the official channels (including writing to the Australian IMMI). As a NZer after ~25 years in the UK (where I now also have citizenship/GB passport) I have received a job offer from an Australian organisation who are willing to sponsor myself and my UK partner (GB passport only) to take up posts with them (him under their 'partner' scheme). I originally considered entering Australia and working on my NZ passport (a visa subclass '444' route, I have discovered, after much brain-ache on the various websites), however advice from my NZ aunt impelled me to look more closely at the status of NZers in Australia. I understand that since 2001 NZers have had, for example, less access to medicare (and social security, although I am a bit less concerned about that), are unable to vote, no access to Australian citizenship, etc. and wondered if we are doing the right thing. If my partner enters on the same visa as I then he would be a '461' and have the same limited rights as I (less than he would if the new work place sponsored his application for permanent residency). Should we, in your view (and we would welcome a selection of views), ask our new work to pursue what I understand would be an employer sponsored/nominated 186 direct entry for me (against my UK citizenship), which would also cover him as a partner, leaving us with the option full potential benefits of Australian citizenship? Would this even be allowed, given that I have a NZ passport? If we did ask the employer to sponsor/nominate us, do we have to be outside of Australia while it is processed? Or could I start my job on my NZ visa and apply for the 186 while I was already working? My partner has already decided to take some time off so any delays would suit him! Your advice would be very gratefully appreciated. Best wishes, M